The Daily Telegraph (early editions), London, 31 July 1963

Party agent hit youth

Six strokes with fly-swat forgiven

Daily Telegraph Reporter

Click to enlarge

LOCAL Conservative officials ran to greet JOHN MALLET, 58, Conservative
agent, at Wokingham, Berks, with smiles and handshakes outside
Wokingham Magistrates Court yesterday where they had heard how he
beat DAVID GILLMAN, 18, with a fly-swat.

Gillman, treasurer of Wokingham Young Conservatives, was one
of the first to congratulate Mallet, who had been granted a
conditional discharge. He had admitted assaulting Gillman. All is
forgiven and we are the best of friends again," said
Gillman.

Air Cdre. Robert Speight, chairman of the local Conservative
Association, smiled and said: "I personally don't think Mr.
Mallet will lose his job. He is a fine fellow."

Speaking award

Mr. JOHN GRIFFITHS, prosecuting, had said Gillman won a
scholarship for public speaking and took a course in London.
Mallet invited him to the Association offices one evening to
discuss a report he had received about his prowess during the
course. It was not a good report.

Mallet gave Gillman a choice of punishment: writing an essay
or delivering a speech on corporal punishment.

After the speech Mallet said: "Do you know any reason why
I should not beat you?" Gillman said "No" and was
told to remove his trousers and underwear and lean over a chair.

"He did this without question because he thought it was a
test of character," said Mr. Griffiths. The youth was given
six strokes across the buttocks with a fly-swat.

Mr. GRIFFITHS said the remainder of the evening passed away
"somewhat strangely" with Mallet inviting the boy out
for a drink. Mallet seemed to be "incoherent and
uncertain."

"No perversion"

Mr. HAROLD MAYNE REID, defending, said there was no evidence
of sexual perversion. "There had been a discussion on
corporal punishment and perhaps some emotional excitement could
have come about," he added.